How To Design a Rooflight? A Comprehensive Guide
While designing rooflights, there are several key factors that we should focus on to find the perfect match according to our requirements. It involves vigilant planning and thoughtfulness of various factors to ensure optimal performance as well as visual appeal.
We will lead you through the crucial process of designing rooflights, from evaluating their purpose to choosing the right configuration, structure, placement, proper installation, integrating controls, and energy efficiency. Whether you intend to increase sunlight, improve the ventilation of your house, or want to add an aesthetic element to your space, this guide will help you to achieve a suitable match while designing roof lights.
1. Understanding the Purpose of Rooflights:
When you are going to design rooflight, the foremost and crucial step is to identify the purpose of installation. It can be installed for several different functions such as provisioning natural light, providing ventilation or both. You should clarify the intended use of rooflight as it will guide you in making decisions.
● Natural Lightening: If the core objective is to enhance natural light, you should reflect on the areas that would benefit the most from increased natural light. Natural light creates a more productive environment in the interiors creating a positive impact on the mood of inhabitants and reducing dependency on artificial lightning.
● Ventilation: Roof windows also play a crucial role in ventilation, specifically in areas that are more humid and tend to accumulate heat and moisture. It regulates indoor temperature by letting warm air to escape and fresh air to circulate in the interior space. One can install rooflights having both of these features.
If you want to learn about customized rooflights, check out our Custom Rooflights page. You can install rooflights tailored to your specific needs and preferences for your home.
2. Evaluation Location and Orientation:
The effectiveness of rooflights is highly reliant on their location and orientation relative to the sun’s path.
● Building Location: You should examine the geographical location of a building such as in northern areas where there is less sunlight, rooflights should be larger and more numerous. While, in sunnier areas, smaller and strategically shaded roof windows are the right choice.
● Sun’s Path: The orientation of the building with respect to the sun’s path also plays a key role. South facing roof windows get the most sunlight, and north-facing rooflights have constant, diffused light. East facing ones provide morning light while west-facing ones benefit from afternoon light.
3. Selecting the Type of Rooflight:
There are various types of rooflights each with its own range of functions. Choosing the right kind depends on your needs and your choice of
visual appeal.
● Fixed Rooflights: These rooflights are non-operating and are fixed to a place making them perfect for places where ventilation is not required. These are specifically for places where consistent light is needed without the need for airflow.
● Opening Rooflight: These rooflights are electronically functional and ideal for areas where both light and ventilation are needed. These are suitable for living areas, kitchens, bathrooms etc.
● Flat, Domed and Pyramid Rooflights: The performance of roof lights can also be affected by their shape and configuration.
Flat rooflights provide a sleek and minimalist look and are less obstructive.
Doomed roof windows allow for better water runoff and are functional for areas where there is frequent rainfall.
Pyramid rooflights are aesthetical and are suited for spacious places.
Discover the key Differences Between Rooflights and Skylights to make an informed choice for your project.
4. Evaluating the Size and Number of Rooflights:
You should calculate the suitable size and number of rooflights for examining the area to be enlightened and the desired light level.
● Area and Light Level: Yes, you can decide the area to be enlightened and the light level in your interior. But, in general, roof lights cover 5-15% of the floor area of a room in regard to providing suitable illumination. Spacious spaces need more rooflights to get harmonious light distribution.
● Design Aesthetics: The layout of the rooflights should accompany the building’s architecture to get a smooth and balanced look. This is up to you what type of look you want. Symmetrical appearance causes an increment in the visual appeal while asymmetrical appearance can add a contemporary look.
5. Emphasizing Energy Efficacy:
You can enhance the energy efficiency after certain considerations. Yes, choosing the right material and glazing options can certainly impact thermal performance.
● Glazing Options: Opt for double or triple glazing can minimize heat loss and lessen solar heat gain. You can also opt for low-emissivity glass to increase thermal efficiency by reflecting infrared radiation and allowing heat to pass through.
● Insulated Frames: Good quality insulated frames help prevent thermal bridging dodging the glazing and evading via frame.Materials such as uPVC or thermally broken aluminum are excellent choices for insulating frames.
Understanding the right glass for your project is essential. Check out our detailed Glass Information guide to learn more about the types of glass used in rooflights.
6. Validating Proper Waterproofing:
Proper placement is essential to prevent water leakage and thermal functionality.
● Sealing Material and Flashing: Use robust sealing material to provide a water-tight barrier surrounding the rooflight. Flashing made from metal or rubber should be installed around the edges of rooflights to divert water away from the structure ensuring water ingress and durability of the rooflight.
7. Consolidating Controls and Shading Options:
Integrating controls and shading options enhances the flexibility and comfort of the occupants.
● Automated Control: Automated controls,for instance sensors and timers, permit efficient management of natural light and ventilation. Rain sensors can automatically close openings to prevent water ingress and light sensors can adjust the rooflight’s opacity to reduce glare.
● Manual Control: Manual control provides users with the ability to regulate daylight levels and privacy. Blackout blinds are perfect for bedrooms while translucent shades can diffuse light in living areas.
8. Consulting with Professionals:
Working with a qualified architect, designer, or rooflight manufacturer is highly recommended to ensure that your design meets all functional, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements.
● Installation Expertise: Professionals ensure that rooflights are fixed correctly and perform their function as intended. Experienced installers guarantee that all sealing, flashing, and insulation details are properly executed. You can also rely on our professionals in this regard. They have years of experience in this field solving the queries of the customers and providing the best possible match that satisfies the customers.
By following these steps, you can ensure a well-planned and functional lighting solution that increases the indoor environment and adds visual interest. You can rely on our quality products in this regard to get the best possible result.
Our Blogs:
1. What Are Framed Rooflights?
2. Benefits of Installing Rooflights.
3. Benefits of Flat Glass Roof Lights